Chris Rock’s mom has something to say about Will Smith slapping her son.
So far, Rock himself has largely refrained from commenting on the situation beyond saying he’ll have more comments later, likely as part of a future stand up routine. However, his family members aren’t being shy about voicing their thoughts. Most recently, Rock’s mother Rosalie “Rose” Rock shared her thoughts in an interview with South Carolina news station WIS-TV.
“When Will slapped Chris, he slapped all of us,” the 77-year-old South Carolina native said. “But he really slapped me. Because when you hurt my child, you hurt me.”
When asked what she’d say to Smith given the chance, Rock’s mom didn’t mince any words.
“I have no idea what I would say other than, ‘What in the world were you thinking? Because you did a slap, but so many things could have happened from that,’” she said. “Chris could have stepped back and fallen, and you really could have gotten taken out in handcuffs. So, you didn’t think.”
Rock’s brother had previously shared his thoughts on the matter. Kenny Rock, who is a 42-year-old actor, told the Los Angeles Times that he wasn’t watching the Oscars live when Smith slapped his sibling on national TV. Watching the footage over and over was especially difficult for him to handle.
“It eats at me watching it over and over again because you’ve seen a loved one being attacked and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Kenny told the publication.
“Every time I’m watching the videos, it’s like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head. My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment. You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show,” he said.
Smith has experienced significant backlash since the incident. He resigned from the Academy and apologized in early April.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” the “King Richard” actor said in part, according to The Daily Wire. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris [Rock], his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.”
“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work,” Smith continued. “I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”